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LETTER: Some Little Mountain magic, what a great idea

‘An urban forest nature park snugly located in northern Chilliwack on Little Mountain’
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Grade 4 and 5 students from Little Mountain elementary move a log off to the side on Little Mountain on Thursday, May 27, 2021. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

What a great idea, an urban forest nature park snugly located in northern Chilliwack on Little Mountain.

Currently the Chilliwack Park Society, Chilliwack city council, private citizens and other grassroots groups are speaking up as one enthusiastic voice to make the proposal for an urban forest park on Little Mountain (aka Mount Shannon) replete with walking and biking looped trails for families, seniors and high school field trips.

As illustrated by Chilliwack Progress reporter Jennifer Feinberg in her news story on April 8. 2022: “City hall warming up to Little Mountain nature park concept.”

All these groups are hard at work to build public support for this intriguing idea and to attract key media sources to keep the concept fresh and front and centre in the public eye.

As a longtime resident of Little Mountain (also known as Mount Shannon), and as a long-term advocate for any feasible proposal aimed at enhancing, restoring and maintaining nature trails in our beautiful province, I am absolutely thrilled to support this project.

I plan to do so with all the resources I can summon including my voice, my pen, and any available personal finances I can gather.

Our existing urban forest on Little Mountain must be protected to benefit our generation as well as future generations to come. It must be protected from any advocates for industrial and property ownership who are motivated by greed, status or other economic gain.

Time is of the essence. Time is running out to do something to halt future development and residential proposals that might imperil our remaining precious green space.

Currently Little Mountain wildlife residents such as deer, rabbits, squirrels and wild birds are being disrupted and biologically stressed by ongoing approved development projects. They are in retreat with fewer and fewer locations available to run to, hide and feel safe.

Many remaining old growth trees in this region, some well over 100 years old, are being cut down and the rich soil underneath them is being disrupted and covered over with cement from preapproved projects that are underway. A case in point are ongoing sizable construction proceedings aimed at residential development on Little Mountain.

Very fortuitously, in the nick of time, city council is stepping in to halt further development on Little Mountain city-owned land.

As a historic and unique landmark in our province, the Little Mountain region must never be taken for granted. Not only has it played a significant role in the history of Chilliwack but to this day this community continues to be an accepting and friendly place rich with cultural diversity.

It provides a superior outdoors destination for people of all ages and needs including those seeking a venue for vigorous physical activity or just seeking a place to emotionally recharge and relax.

In short, Little Mountain is a vital presence in Chilliwack that is an irreplaceable asset to our beautiful city.

I am willing to step up to the plate to “put my money where my mouth is” to support funding for the preservation project proposal on Little Mountain as much as my available resources allow.

Dr. Leslie Ann Ross B.Sc. D.V.M, retired

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